3. Standard Pallet Sizes

Plastic models can be classified as Euro pallets, non-standard pallets or standard pallets.

Pallets manufactured from plastic offer a number of advantages over those produced from wood.

They are resistant to water, insect infestations and mould and don’t require treating. Plastic models are durable and can be re-used.

They are also easy to clean, making them suitable for more hygienic requirements, including the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Plastic pallets can be made from recycled components and can also be recycled themselves when no longer needed.

Euro pallets

The Euro pallet is the standard size of pallet that is used for transporting goods across Europe.

Many companies will also look for businesses outside of the Continent to use them when importing goods.

This makes it considerably quicker and easier for the importing company, as there is no need to repack goods on to Euro pallets when they arrive.

A Euro pallet is also easier to transport and move around a warehouse using the standard equipment.

This reduces the cost of transporting the goods and increases the productivity levels.

Euro pallets can be re-used and are manufactured to a high quality, making them extremely durable.

They are available in four different sizes:

EUR/EUR1: 800 x 1200mm

EUR2: 1200 x 1000mm

EUR3: 1000 x 1200mm

EUR6: 800 x 600mm

Standard Pallets

A standard plastic pallet measures 1200mm x 1000mm. They are available in a range of different specifications and designs, depending on the requirements of the customer.

They can be produced as a budget option which is more lightweight, or alternatively there are heavy-duty and reinforced models for heavier loads that are stored in high rack locations.

Lightweight models are designed to be stacked on top of each other, which saves space when they’re not in use.

Standard pallets that are produced from plastic can be specifically designed for use in hygienic environments.

This makes them suitable for the food and pharmaceutical industries, where hygiene levels are extremely strict.

Standard pallets can be used for transporting goods globally, when the restrictions of the Euro pallet are not required.

Non-Standard Pallets

For customers who require different sized pallets which are produced to a range of specifications, there are non-standard models.

These offer the same advantages as a standard pallet but without the restrictions of set dimensions. This makes them more suitable for companies that have smaller storage requirements.

Rather than having a great deal of empty space on a pallet, a smaller model can be used. They are also beneficial for companies that have a lack of storage space, as the pallet can be more closely matched to the area available, enabling it to fit into the space.

Pallets that are made from plastic can be used in many of the same ways that wood pallets are utilised.

However, they offer more benefits and don’t have the same disadvantages, making them suitable for a wider range of markets.

4. Pallet Colours

Whilst wooden pallets are still common within many companies, a lot are now turning to plastic pallets, recognising the added flexibility and efficiency they bring with them.

Unlike wooden pallets, which are one colour, plastic ones come in a variety of pallet colours, allowing a company to incorporate them within their business so as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their processes.

There are a variety of advantages to using plastic pallet colours to speed up the processes within your organisation. Here are just some of those.
Pallets Can Be Spotted from a Greater Distance

If you give certain pallets a colour, managers, administration staff and warehouse workers will be able to see exactly which pallets have been distributed in the warehouse and where they are.

Instead of having to individually scan barcodes to find out the contents, staff will know exactly which department the plastic pallets need to go to.

This is also a huge benefit when it comes to doing internal audits or stock checks, as it’s much clearer what stock is in the warehouse, even when the pallets are located high up on the shelves.

They Help to Create Smoother Shipments

As they’re colour-coded, the pallets can be easily distributed and organised ready for shipping.

Workers will understand which colour pallet needs to be used for each delivery, and they will be able to easily coordinate these shipments.

Materials Can Be Separated

With the use of different coloured pallets, all of the materials a business uses can be separated quickly and easily.

When certain processes or materials are associated with a certain colour, this allows to staff to go straight to the pallet colour they need in order to complete the job.

Again, this reduces the time taken to read individual labels or to scan barcodes.

Reduces the Risk of Cross-Contamination

Because the contents of the pallets can be easily identified, it can also help to reduce the risk of cross-contamination within warehouses that are dealing with food, chemicals and so on.

They are easily identified, so staff know which area the pallets need taking to, and they won’t be left in areas that could pose a risk to the safety of the products within them.

Ideal for Retailers and Stores

Where you have a large department store that has various items, such as home ranges and clothing lines, having everything delivered in specific pallet colours will enable you to distribute this to the relevant department in the store.

Furthermore, if you have different stores located in different areas, each store can have a different-coloured pallet so staff know exactly where that particular pallet needs delivering without having to look into it on the system.

A lot of pallet companies now offer you the option of painting your plastic pallets in specific RAL colours.

This gives you great flexibility when it comes to colour-coding your pallets, allowing you to tie it in with any particular colour schemes you currently use or to help enhance your brand image.

Chapter 2 – Weight Capacities of Plastic Pallets

The weight bearing capacities of different plastic pallets

1. Weight capacity of pallets

Plastic pallets are lighter and more durable than wooden ones and cause fewer workplace accidents for this reason. However, the weight a pallet holds depends on the material from which it is made.

High-density polyethylene pallets can support a wide range of weights. They stack well and securely and so can be moved easily with forklifts or pallet trucks.

Chapter 3 – Shipping Plastic Pallets

Best practices for shipping and exporting plastic pallets

1. Pallets as Air Freight

When you are dealing with air freight, there are specific pallets and containers that you must use.

The aircraft have precise requirements for the types of loads that they can accommodate, and each individual pallet has been designed to fit into the various types of aircraft.

This ensures that cargo can be loaded and unloaded with minimal delays.

Benefits of Air Freight

A pallet or container that is to be loaded on to an aircraft is referred to as a unit load device (ULD).

A number of different elements can be loaded on to the ULD and securely fastened. This enables cargo to be loaded all at once, rather than on individual crates.

By using this process, it will take less time to load the aircraft, minimising any delays on the ground.

By loading the goods on to ULDs before they enter the aircraft, there is less risk of them becoming damaged whilst in transit.

The pallet or container is designed to work efficiently with the handling equipment at the airport, which moves the goods around on the ground and loads them on to the aircraft.

This makes it far quicker to load the cargo than it would be if the individual components were manually loaded.

ULDs have also been designed to fit exactly into the spaces provided within the aircraft. They can be used on both passenger planes and specially adapted cargo aircraft.

As they fit precisely, it limits the amount of space that is wasted, thereby maximising the efficiency of the plane.

Some types of ULDs can be used on different aircraft, which enables them to be quickly transferred between planes if necessary.

However, there are some ULDs that only fit on to specific planes. It’s important to determine the route and type of aircraft to be used before the cargo is loaded on to a pallet or container.

2. Pallets for Export

Plastic pallets are increasingly popular for transporting freight around the world.

Recent improvements in the design and manufacture of pallets mean that they now have considerable advantages over wooden pallets, especially when used for air freight or other international transport methods.

Although new plastic pallets may initially cost a little more than wooden pallets, their long term benefits are considerable.

Plastic boxes, plastic crates and other easily stackable storage containers are similarly used for transporting goods.

Made out of durable plastics which are resistant to damage, they offer a reliable method of transporting goods which can be used time after time without issues.

The Benefits of Plastic

If you use plastic pallets for shipping, you can be assured of certain benefits.

Being resistant to water and not susceptible to water damage, they can be washed to ensure they remain in tip-top condition – important if you’re transporting goods which need to be kept clean.

This ability to withstand water damage also means they can be stored outside, where the rain and snow will not affect them.

It also means you can use them in all weather conditions without having to worry about them rotting.

Pallets made of plastic are anti-slip, having grooved surfaces, which gives you an additional level of safety when transporting goods.

They are also shock-absorbent, which means they will not easily be damaged during the inevitable knocks and bashes experienced while being moved.

Unlike timber pallets, the plastic version does not contain any sharp nails or edges and is not going to produce splinters, meaning they are safer to handle and less likely to cause damage to fragile packages.

In addition, should you be unfortunate enough to experience a spillage of toxic material while transporting hazardous items, your plastic pallet will not absorb the spillage – a careful wash and they will be available for use once more.

Unlike wood, they are unlikely to be damaged by spillages, either.

They are long-lasting, too – a typical plastic pallet will last more than 10 years.

After this, they can be melted down for recycling and making into something new, so they are no less environmentally friendly than timber ones.

And they have one more advantage over their wooden counterparts: some countries have strict laws regarding what types of timber can be allowed through their borders.

If your pallets are made of the wrong type of wood, it could well result in expensive and time-consuming delays.

So next time you’re looking to source pallets for your business, you could do worse than bear plastic in mind.

Chapter 4 – Cleaning and Maintaining Plastic Pallets

The best way to maintain and make your pallets last longer

1. How to clean a plastic pallet

Those corners, nooks and crannies can be hard to reach, especially when you’re talking about the sand, grit and dust that can easily collect in them.

Is it best to outsource this cleaning or do it yourself, and how can you get those corners truly clean?

Read on as we explore this often overlooked issue.

Handle with Care?

The good news is that pallets made from plastic are incredibly robust and durable, which is what gives them such a huge advantage over traditional wooden ones.

It also means that you can use heavy-duty detergents and jet washers and it won’t cause any damage or erosion to the plastic.

Outsourcing

There are some companies out there that will clean your plastic pallets to a very good hygienic standard and will also dry them and return them to you as good as new.

Obviously, there is a cost attached to this that at first glance may seem high, but when you consider the man-hours it will cost you for a member of your own staff to clean the pallets, it may actually end up being cost-efficient.

Companies with a very high number of pallets may also find this is a cheaper option overall.

Do It Yourself

If you only have a few plastic storage pallets, or perhaps you have a situation where you have staff on-site that need to fill gaps in time, then doing it yourself is a good idea.

Firstly, make sure you are in a well-drained area, preferably outside, as cleaning pallets is a messy and wet activity.

Secondly, find a pressure washer, or even jet attachment to a hose, which will be essential in shooting dirt away from seams and corners.

Also use a good disinfectant/detergent. Any all-purpose detergent will do the job.

Make sure your staff member has a pair of gloves so the detergent and water doesn’t irritate their hands.

Also ensure you have put out clean pallet racks to dry them on rather than letting them dry on the floor, where more dirt and grit may attach to the wet pallets.

Getting your pallets clean is essential, as dirty pallets can pose a health and safety risk to consumers and staff.

Whether you go for outsourcing or do it on-site is a simple calculation about the number of dirty pallets you have to be cleaned, the spare man-hours you have available and the costs involved.

Either way, make sure that cleaning plastic pallets is a well-established facet of your general cleaning rota.

Aim to clean pallets on a regular basis, but also allow for them to be cleaned on an ad hoc basis if they need additional cleaning.

Chapter 5 – Plastic Pallet Buying Tips

The best buying tips and advice for purchasing plastic pallets

1. Buying Guide

When you begin to look into the pallet market, you might presume that all pallets are the same, but this isn’t the case.

There are lots of areas that you need to consider.

Spending time researching the market will ensure that you select the right type of pallet for your requirements.

Don’t Just Look at the Price

The budget will always be a key consideration whenever you’re buying goods for your business.

However, when it comes to purchasing pallets, it shouldn’t be the only point you consider.

Buying an extremely cheap pallet will be a false economy if it falls apart after one job.

A less stable pallet will also be more likely to damage the goods it’s transporting or might not be suitable for your specific handling equipment.

This would end up costing you more by the time you’ve paid for repairs or a new pallet.

Instead you should look at the cost over the whole life of a pallet and how different types could bring you savings in other areas of the business.

Research the Supplier

Don’t be tempted to buy from the first supplier you find, just because you think you’ve got a good deal.

Research exactly what’s available, and look at what each one has to offer.

The services they provide may vary, such as being able to supply express despatch and shipping options or having a more extensive range.

It’s also important that your supplier understands the latest regulations regarding pallet shipping rates and logistics, so that they can provide you with a comprehensive package.

Buy in Bulk

Used plastic pallets suppliers will often give discounts for customers who are buying in bulk, or they may operate a loyalty discount scheme.

If you don’t have a need for a large number of pallets, you could look at teaming up with another local business and buy together to reduce the cost.

Offsetting Costs

You might be able to cover some of the cost of purchasing pallets through a partner business.

Consider selling your goods as a complete pallet, which will include the initial cost in the sale.

If you want to start working in this way, you need to choose a type of pallet that works for both of you.

This way it will be compatible with your customer’s equipment and machinery.

What Is the Right Pallet?

You should think about exactly what you will be using it for, as this will dictate which the right pallet for your business is.

The majority of pallets are either plastic or wooden, each of which has its own benefits.

Plastic pallets are generally more durable and hygienic, whereas wooden ones are cheaper to purchase initially and are a good choice for one-way shipments.

Whichever type of pallet you end up buying, doing some research beforehand is critical if you want to save yourself time and money.

Chapter 6 – Plastic Pallet Advantages

The best reasons for buying plastic pallets

Important Plastic Pallet Advantages

Pallets are now a vital part of logistics, and while the vast majority of those currently in use are made from wood, there are many advantages of plastic pallets which are just waiting to be uncovered.

These benefits are still somewhat of a secret in many quarters, but take a look at the following attributes of plastic pallets, and you might well want to join a growing number of people and businesses who are choosing to make the switch from wood.

Regulation and Supply

Wooden pallets can suffer from supply issues as a result of competing with lumber companies for materials.

This is not the case with plastic pallets.

One of the other major differences between plastic and wooden pallets is that the former can be melted down and remade when their original life cycle ends.

Another of the advantages of plastic pallets is that they are not regulated in the same way as wood, and goods do not have to be repacked to enter certain countries because of rules focusing on the timber used.

This minimises the potential for delays in international shipping and boosts productivity and efficiency.

Easy to Track

Tracking devices can easily be attached to plastic pallets, unlike with wooden versions.

These can allow for the monitoring of loads, and they are particularly helpful when shipping perishable items such as food, as they can improve both accountability and efficiency for businesses.

Low-Maintenance

A major advantage of plastic pallets is that less maintenance is required than when wooden pallets are used.

They are extremely easy to keep clean, and any hazardous spills can quickly be washed off. Plastic pallets can also be sanitised easily, and they can be safer to handle due to a lack of sharp edges.

They do not present the same type of fire hazard as wooden pallets, either, meaning that they can be stored inside, and their surface is non-skid, adding to safety when being shipped and handled.

Another benefit is that they do not shed and leave behind a mess.

Ease of Handling

As well as avoiding safety issues with splintered wood, broken boards or protruding nails, plastic pallets can often be easier to handle because of the way they keep their shape, do not warp and do not collapse in transit.

They can also be lighter to move than wooden versions and allow for four-sided entry.

This boosts flexibility in terms of storage and saves time by allowing a forklift or pallet jack to pick them up from any side.

Easy Storage

The design of plastic pallets means that they can often be stacked higher and can be kept nesting inside each other to save on space.

Strength

The added convenience offered by plastic pallets does not mean a compromise on strength, either.

One-way pallets usually have dynamic weights of as much as 2,000lbs, and heavy-duty versions can handle up to 3,500lbs.

All of this adds up to a storage and handling solution which lasts longer, is easier to use and is simpler to store than wooden pallets.